Custom peds let players become a superhero for an event, a stylized anime character or a child in a family story. Adding one has two parts: installing the model, then deciding who can use it.
Short version: install the ped as an add-on resource, register it with a peds.meta file, start it in server.cfg, then give access through your ped menu or an admin command.
Add-on or replace?
A replace ped swaps an existing base character, so every NPC that uses that model changes too. An add-on ped gets its own name and changes nothing else. On a roleplay server, always prefer add-on peds.
Step 1: Check the files
A typical add-on ped resource contains:
- a
streamfolder with the model files (.yft,.ydd,.ytd, sometimes a.ymt) - a
peds.metafile that registers the model - an
fxmanifest.luathat loads it withdata_file 'PED_METADATA_FILE' 'peds.meta'
The ped’s spawn name is the model’s file name, the same name used in peds.meta.
Step 2: Start the resource
Put the folder in your resources, add an ensure line with its name to server.cfg and restart. Check the console for errors.
Step 3: Give players access
This part depends on your framework and scripts. Common options:
- Admin command or menu: staff set a player’s ped by name. Good for events.
- Ped menu with permissions: whitelisted players pick from a list. Good for special roles.
- Saved per character: some appearance scripts store a custom ped on a character so it loads every time.
Most servers keep special peds behind a whitelist. A superhero is only special if not everyone can be one.
Things players will notice
- No clothing menu: a custom ped’s look is part of the model. Clothing stores only work on the standard multiplayer characters.
- Size: very tall, very small or bulky models can clip through car seats and doors.
- Memory: detailed peds have large textures. One or two are fine; a crowd of them in the same spot raises memory use for everyone nearby.
Where to find peds
Our FiveM compatible peds are rigged for the standard animations. Choose movie peds for events, anime peds for themed servers and kid peds for family roleplay. If players should keep the standard characters but look different, our guide to adding custom clothing and clothing packs are the better route.
